WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE
Slow Cooker Taco Chicken & Rice is a fantastic recipe for busy families. It saves time, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a great taste that everyone will love. This dish is hearty, comforting, and perfect for weekday meals or gatherings with friends. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to blend nicely, making the chicken tender and full of flavor. It’s also a one-pot meal, which means fewer dishes to clean!
HOW TO MAKE Slow Cooker Taco Chicken & Rice
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of boneless (skinless) chicken breasts (approximately 3 or 4 breasts)
- 1 packet (1-oz) of taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (10.5-oz) of Cream of Chicken or Mushroom soup
- 1 can (10-oz) of diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 box (7.6-oz) of Old El Paso Cheesy Mexican Rice or equivalent
DIRECTIONS:
- Carefully position the chicken breasts at the base of the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, methodically combine the taco seasoning mix, your chosen creamy soup, and the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, ensuring they are blended well.
- Proceed to pour the mixture from the bowl over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Seal the slow cooker with its lid. Opt to cook on a low heat setting for a duration of 6 to 8 hours. Alternatively, for a quicker cooking time, choose a high heat setting for a duration of 3 to 4 hours.
- Upon completion of the cooking period, use two forks to meticulously shred the chicken inside the slow cooker.
- According to the packaging guidelines, prepare the Cheesy Mexican Rice. Once cooked, integrate it thoroughly with the shredded chicken mixture.
HOW TO SERVE Slow Cooker Taco Chicken & Rice
Serving Slow Cooker Taco Chicken & Rice is easy and versatile. You can serve it straight from the slow cooker in bowls for a warm, comforting meal. Add some toppings to make it even better! Sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños are great choices. You can also serve it with tortilla chips or warm tortillas on the side for a fun twist. Kids and adults alike will love customizing their meals!
HOW TO STORE Slow Cooker Taco Chicken & Rice
Leftovers are inevitable when making Slow Cooker Taco Chicken & Rice. Fortunately, storing them is simple. Place the cooled leftovers in airtight containers. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let the dish cool completely before freezing. When you are ready to eat, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until hot.
TIPS TO MAKE Slow Cooker Taco Chicken & Rice
- Choose Lean Chicken: For a healthier version, use lean chicken breasts without the skin.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you like it spicier, consider adding more taco seasoning or some hot sauce to the mixture.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or corn for added nutrition and color.
- Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh cilantro at the end adds a burst of freshness to the dish.
- Use High-Quality Salsa: If you don’t have diced tomatoes with green chilies, a good salsa can be a great substitute for added flavor.
VARIATIONS
There are many ways you can customize Slow Cooker Taco Chicken & Rice to suit your taste. If you prefer beef, you can substitute ground beef or shredded beef for a different flavor profile. If you want to go meatless, consider using black beans or chickpeas as your protein source. You could also try using different kinds of rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. If you have leftover cooked rice or any kind of grains, you can mix them in as well.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just note that the cooking time may increase by an hour or two if they are frozen.
2. Is it possible to cook this recipe on the stove?
Yes, you can make this on the stove. Brown the chicken in a pot, then add the mixture of soup and tomatoes. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just pour everything into the slow cooker and start cooking.
With these simple instructions and tips, you’re ready to enjoy delicious Slow Cooker Taco Chicken & Rice! This meal is sure to become a favorite in your household, satisfying both your belly and your taste buds with its rich flavors and comforting texture. Enjoy your cooking!
Slow Cooker Taco Chicken & Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Carefully position the chicken breasts at the base of the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, methodically combine the taco seasoning mix, your chosen creamy soup, and the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, ensuring they are blended well.
- Pour the mixture from the bowl over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Seal the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours.
- Upon completion of the cooking period, use two forks to shred the chicken inside the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Cheesy Mexican Rice according to the packaging guidelines and integrate it thoroughly with the shredded chicken mixture.